Norwegian Cruise Line Revives Antarctic and Patagonian Cruising With an Ambitious South America Season for 2027–28

Norwegian Cruise Line is reviving Antarctic and Patagonian cruising for the 2027–28 winter season by redeploying the Norwegian Star on extended fifteen-night voyages from South America, combining scenic Antarctic sailings with deep exploration of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and key regional ports after a two-year absence from the region.

Fleet deployment details indicate that the Norwegian Star will operate in the region from December 2027 to March 2028. The ship, which entered service in 2002, will deliver a collection of fifteen-night sailings aimed at travellers looking for immersive journeys rather than fast-paced, short-stay cruises. These itineraries are designed to slow the pace, allowing guests to absorb the scale and contrast of southern South America while venturing into Antarctic waters.

The season will feature departures from Buenos Aires in Argentina and San Antonio in Chile, both well-established starting points for Patagonian and Antarctic routes. From these ports, the Norwegian Star will travel deep into the southern latitudes, navigating some of the most dramatic seascapes in the world. One of the defining moments of the itinerary is scenic cruising near Elephant Island, a remote outpost off the Antarctic Peninsula known for its stark beauty and historical significance. Although the voyages do not include landings, the sail-by experience offers close-up views of ice-covered terrain, shifting pack ice, and wildlife-rich waters rarely seen by large cruise ships.

The Antarctic highlight is paired with an extensive exploration of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, regions that have long drawn travellers seeking untamed landscapes and a sense of isolation at the edge of the world. Stops such as Ushuaia, set between mountains and the Beagle Channel, provide access to windswept national parks and rugged coastal scenery. Puerto Montt opens the door to Chile’s lakes, volcanoes, and fjords, while Puerto Madryn is closely linked to marine ecosystems and expansive Atlantic coastlines. Together, these ports form a journey shaped by nature rather than urban sightseeing.

Additional calls at Montevideo in Uruguay and Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands introduce cultural and historical variety. Montevideo brings a slower, more laid-back city atmosphere, while Port Stanley offers a rare look at life in one of the South Atlantic’s most remote island communities, surrounded by unspoiled landscapes and wildlife habitats. These contrasting stops help balance the itineraries, blending remote exploration with moments of cultural connection.

The revival of South American cruising follows a period of strategic change for the cruise line. A full seasonal programme was last operated during the 2024–25 winter, also using the Norwegian Star. Plans to continue into 2025–26 were later withdrawn as part of a wider reallocation of ships across regions. As a result, the Norwegian Star was shifted to the Caribbean, where it focused on shorter itineraries of four to twelve nights from Tampa, reflecting a temporary shift away from long-haul deployments.

Despite the absence of a full season, South America has remained on the cruise line’s map. During the 2025–26 season, the Norwegian Jade is scheduled to operate a single extended voyage along the continent’s Pacific coast. Departing from PortMiami in late February 2026, the twelve-night cruise travels to Callao in Peru, with stops in Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, before continuing on a repositioning journey to San Diego.

For the 2027–28 season, Norwegian Cruise Line is also transforming repositioning movements into experiences in their own right. The Norwegian Star will operate trans-Atlantic crossings between Buenos Aires and Lisbon, each lasting fifteen nights. Rather than sailing directly between continents, these voyages include port calls in Brazil and Cape Verde, with destinations such as Recife, Rio de Janeiro, and Mindelo adding warmth, culture, and variety to the ocean passage.

Norwegian Cruise Line is reviving Antarctic and Patagonian cruising for the 2027–28 winter season by returning the Norwegian Star to South America with extended fifteen-night voyages after a two-year break.

The return to South America and Antarctica reflects a broader shift toward longer, destination-focused cruising driven by travellers seeking depth over speed. With extended itineraries, remote landscapes, and a carefully balanced mix of iconic and lesser-visited ports, the 2027–28 programme positions Norwegian Cruise Line once again in one of the most adventurous and visually compelling regions of the cruise industry.